North America
New Fall Harvard Extension School Course Explores Sustainable Tourism
September 2, 2010
CAMBRIDGE, MA — Tourism is considered by the United Nations as one of the largest industries in the world, but its diverse, global footprint can threaten ecosystems and local cultures worldwide. Recognizing the need for formal training in the area of sustainable tourism, the Harvard Extension School this fall offers the new course, Environmental Management of International Tourism Development—both online and on campus—as part of its Graduate Program in Sustainability and Environmental Management. Taught by sustainable tourism expert Megan Epler Wood, the course lays out specific methodologies for managing tourism sustainably worldwide. Lectures and readings on the global tourism industry’s business and supply chain models preface an in-depth review of how mainstream tourism companies can more effectively take on the challenge of environmental management worldwide. Explains Ms. Wood, “Industries around the world are making environmental management an integral part of their... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesAdventureSmith Explorations Helps Guide Return Of Small Ship Adventure Cruising To Alaska’s Inside Passage
September 1, 2010
Two Newly Refurbished Ships and Never Before Offered Activities All Set for the 2011 Season Where the Concept of Active Cruising Began Tahoe City, CA–AdventureSmith Explorations, the active travel company that secures matches between adventure-seeking clients and a treasure trove of small, expedition ships returns to the Alaskan wilderness in the summer of 2011 with two newly renovated ships and a variety of unprecedented off-ship activities. The redesigned vessels now in place for next summer are the same pioneering small ships that AdventureSmith Explorations founder and president, Todd Smith, helped design and direct during their first deployment to Alaska in the 1990s. They were the first cruises of their kind to offer enough kayaks and gear to accommodate every passenger during off-vessel wilderness activities which evolved to become the primary focus of today’s adventure cruise. “When these ships (the M/V Wilderness Adventurer and M/V Wilderness Discoverer) were pulled in 2005... Read More →
Member Press Releases Trade EventsSpecial Denver Premiere: “Global Sustainability: Central America to Maine”
August 19, 2010
Presented by AFAR Magazine In Cooperation with Denver Green Drinks Special Guest Speaker: Joshua Berman, Author of “Moon Nicaragua” Please join Green Living Project for it’s newest multi-media event showcasing cutting-edge global sustainability stories! This exciting event features projects across Central America (Costa Rica, Nicaragua, Panama and Maine)! Special 20% Off Coupon at Tattered Cover Book Store. Plus, complimentary food, beer, beverages, free giveaways for the first 50 attendees, LIVE music, and much more! A voluntary $10 donation is requested at the door, and a portion of the proceeds will be donated to a featured GLP Project – chosen by YOU! Join us for this Special Denver event! HIGHLIGHTS - Popular multi-media event on global sustainability - Special 20% Off* Coupon at Tattered Cover Book Store - 1st 50 attendees receive free gear giveaways - Complimentary food by Mad Greens, Mercury Cafe, Chipotle - Beer and beverages compliments of New Belgium... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBook the Adventure of a Lifetime with AvidTrips.com; BETA Site Launches
August 19, 2010
New York, NY – AvidTrips, a next generation online adventure travel marketplace, today announced the launch of its beta site, www.AvidTrips.com. Featuring a rapidly growing inventory of horseback riding, bicycling, mountain climbing, hiking/trekking and safari tours, the new website is an encompassing resource for both searching and booking authentic, transformational travel experiences around the globe. AvidTrips offers the rare opportunity of connecting travelers directly with local tour operators, providing a trustworthy platform to ask technical questions on everything from gear and equipment to local conditions. Users will also find side-by-side comparison of rates, difficulty levels and routes among different operators, and can easily book on AvidTrips.com – at no service charge. “We’re excited to bring transparency and efficiency to one of the fastest-growing segments of the travel industry,” said Sanem Eruçar, Founder and CEO. “While adventure... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesBruce Smith of Seascape Kayak Tours Wins Environmental Lifetime Achievement Award
August 18, 2010
Richardson, Deer Island, New Brunswick– It was announced August 13 in Fredericton, N.B., by New Brunswick’s Environment Minister, Rick Miles, that Bruce Smith of Seascape Kayak Tours Inc. is the winner of the Department of Environment’s Lifetime Achievement Award. The recognition is one of six Environmental Leadership Awards presented annually to individuals, groups and businesses in New Brunswick that demonstrate exceptional leadership in the enhancement and protection of the environment. A panel of independent judges selected the recipients, who will be honored later in the year. “I deeply appreciate the support and confidence placed in me by the Department of Environment and by our provincial government,” said Smith, founder and owner of Seascape Kayak Tours. “This important recognition is an honor not only to me, but to the entire Seascape team, without which it would not be possible.” A Canadian leader in sustainable adventure travel and ecotourism, Seascape Kayak Tours... Read More →
By the NumbersOne out of every 16 Americans works in travel and tourism related industries
July 26, 2010
From the U.S. Department of Commerce/Office of Travel & Tourism Industries: One out of every 16 Americans works, either directly or indirectly, in travel and tourism related industries. In 2009, the U.S. travel and tourism industry generated nearly $1.3 trillion in economic output, supported 8.2 million American jobs and accounted for 24 percent of all U.S. services exports and 8 percent of total exports. Despite the recent economic downturn, the United States still enjoyed a $22 billion trade surplus for travel and tourism in 2009. Read More →
Industry Partner NewsOutdoor Industry Companies Invited to Test Beta Version of Industry-Wide Environmental Assessment Tool
July 23, 2010
BOULDER, COLO.–The Outdoor Industry Association’s Eco Working Group will hold informational sessions during Outdoor Retailer Summer Market in Salt Lake City, UT to introduce brands, designers and suppliers to the Beta Phase 1 version of the outdoor industry’s Eco Index and encourage participation in its pilot testing program this fall. The Eco Index pilot program is open to all outdoor companies and will begin in late August 2010. Several workshops at OR will provide those interested with the necessary background and guidance on the pilot program: please RSVP at the Outdoor Industry Association events page. A series of webinars will also be held throughout the fall for pilot program participants. Feedback will be gathered from pilot program participants via the Eco Index website as well as through the webinar series, with the Phase 1 Index scheduled for formal release in early 2011. A first for the outdoor industry, the Eco Index is designed to help companies benchmark and measure... Read More →
House Committee Passes Bill Securing Funding for Land and Water Conservation Fund
July 20, 2010
Boulder, CO— Outdoor Industry Association (OIA) joined recreation and conservation organizations from across the country in thanking the U.S. House Natural Resources Committee for passing legislation today that will provide dedicated funding for land conservation and outdoor recreation. Under the leadership of Chairman Nick Rahall (D-WV), the committee approved the Consolidated Land, Energy, and Aquatic Resources Act of 2009 (CLEAR Act, HR 3534) and included a provision that would annually fund the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) at its authorized level of $900 million. At that level, the program would be able to proactively address backlogged conservation and recreation needs at the local, state and federal level. Weakening amendments were decisively rejected thanks to the efforts of Chairman Rahall and the support of many conservation leaders on the committee. “OIA greatly appreciates today’s committee action to fully fund LWCF, Chairman Rahall’s leadership on this issue... Read More →
By the Numbers
Travel and Tourism Spending in the U.S. Turns Up in First Quarter 2010
July 15, 2010
Source: Bureau of Economic Analysis Real spending on travel and tourism increased at an annual rate of 3.9 percent in 2010:1, following a decrease of 1.5 percent (revised) in 2009:4. By comparison, real gross domestic product (GDP) increased 3.0 percent (second estimate) in 2010:1 after increasing 5.6 percent in 2009:4. Travel and tourism prices increased 3.5 percent in 2010:1 after increasing 6.5 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Passenger air transportation spending increased 4.5 percent in 2010:1 after decreasing 9.8 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Accommodations spending turned up, increasing 11.0 percent in 2010:1 after decreasing 7.9 percent (revised) in 2009:4. Accommodations provided the largest contribution to growth in the quarter. Prices for passenger air transportation increased 13.3 percent in 2010:1. Direct tourism-related employment was unchanged in 2010:1, following a 2.3 percent (revised) decline in 2009:4. By comparison, overall U.S. employment increased 0.2 percent in 2010:1... Read More →
Member Press ReleasesZipline / Canopy Tour Industry Advances to 24-Hour Reservation Capability
July 15, 2010
SALT LAKE CITY – Zipline and canopy tour operations, the fastest growing segment of the adventure travel world, are expected to increase by 41 percent this summer for a total of 120 operations in the US and Canada, according to ZiplineNirvana. With newcomers to the playing field popping up exponentially, Resmark Systems is becoming the back office solution of choice by providing a 24-hour reservations booking service for travelers who wisely have plans in hand before arriving at their canopy-inspired destinations, said Brandon Lake, founder of Resmark Systems. With over 16 years experience as a consultant to this growing segment, Michael Smith, president of AdventureSmith, evaluated over 15 reservation systems in order to find one to recommend to clients. “While there were a number of systems that offered some of the features I was seeking, many lacked efficiency and from a functionality standpoint, they were limited. Resmark was clean, efficient and powerful. As a marketing specialist,... Read More →
